Visit our Why New Lenox (LINK) webpage for information on choosing New Lenox to build your business.

• If you are seeking a suitable business location, you can use the Available Sites (Link) to help find a business location. Planning and Economic Development Staff are also available to assist you in finding a location and can be reached by calling (815) 462-6490.

• If you are leasing a space, it is strongly suggested that you not sign a lease until you know that the zoning, parking, and other Code requirements can be met with the permitted use of the business.  The Village’s Zoning Ordinance will be considered with regard to the proposed location.
• If you are buying a building or land on which to build, please contact the Planning Department (815-462-6490) to determine the necessary approvals and reviews that are needed before closing on the property.  
• Negotiate and execute your lease or purchase. Include a contingency for any required Village approvals.

• Contact the Village’s Building Department at (815) 462-6490 to discuss necessary building permits.  
• Select your design team for build out.
• Select your contractors.
  • All contractors and sub-contractors must be registered with the Village before Village permits are issued and before work can begin. 
• Apply for a Village Building Permit for any build-out beyond painting, flooring, and moving in furniture.  Call (815) 462-6490 to begin this process.
• Select a sign contractor to design your sign according to Village Code and apply for Permanent Sign Permit (link).
• Complete your build-out and pass final inspections through the Village’s Building Department, the New Lenox Fire Protection District, and Will County Health Department (if applicable). 
• Apply for a Commercial Occupancy Permit (Link) through the Building Department.

Contact the Will County Health Department at (815) 727-8490 for guidance and to apply for your Will County food establishment permit. Visit their Food Establishment Licensing and Permitting webpage (Link) for additional information. 

• Liquor license and/or video gaming license applicants should contact the Village Clerk (815-462-6414) to discern the appropriate liquor class and to coordinate a meeting with the Mayor/Liquor Commissioner.  You can visit the Liquor License webpage (Link) for additional information.
• After a location is identified, the Mayor meets with applicants once the Planning Department confirms that the use complies with the Village’s Zoning Ordinance and that there is sufficient parking at a particular location.  The use and square footage of the space determines the number of needed parking spaces.
• Complete a Liquor License Application (PDF) which includes a background check.
• Apply for New Business Registration with Economic Development.
  • New Business Registration Application Online (Link)
  • New Business Registration Application (PDF)
• It takes five business days to process registration applications which must be approved before a business opens.

• Consider joining the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce (Link), the Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization (Link), or Rotary Club of New Lenox (Link), or Business Network International (BNI) Northern Illinois (Link)